All types of tea, including oolong, black, green, white, matcha, chai, and others, are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. They have caffeine, a natural stimulant that shouldn’t be used in large amounts while pregnant.
They each contain around the same amount of caffeine per cup (240 mL) as the following (2, 3, 4, 5, 6):
- 6080 mg of matcha
- Tea, oolong: 3858 mg
- tea, black: 4753 mg
- 4753 mg of chai
- tea: white, 2550 mg
- tea, green: 2949 mg
Caffeine crosses the placenta readily, and your unborn child’s developing liver has trouble processing it. As a result, caffeine doses that would ordinarily be regarded as safe for adults are more likely to have adverse effects in newborns.
According to research, mothers who consume excessive amounts of caffeine during pregnancy run the risk of having babies that are preterm, have low birth weights, or have birth abnormalities. The risk of miscarriage or stillbirth may also increase with high caffeine consumption during pregnancy (7, 8, 9).
When pregnant women limit their caffeine intake to no more than 300 mg per day, these dangers seem to be at a minimum (8).
However, the genetics of some women can make them more susceptible to the negative effects of coffee. For instance, studies indicate that a tiny percentage of women may experience a 2.4 times increased risk of miscarriage when ingesting 100–300 mg of caffeine daily (8).
Caffeinated teas are generally safe to consume while pregnant because they have less caffeine than coffee. To avoid drinking too much caffeine each day, their consumption may need to be restricted (10, 11).
Teas with caffeine, such as chai, black, green, matcha, oolong, and white teas, should be used in moderation during pregnancy. Despite being generally safe, pregnant women may benefit from restricting their daily consumption of these caffeinated teas.
Is echinacea safe to take when pregnant?
Echinacea is usually safe to consume when you are expecting, but to be careful, you might want to stay away from it. This is why:
Although many doctors consider echinacea to be low risk, there isn’t enough evidence to indicate that it is completely safe to take while pregnant. Because few studies evaluate these products on expectant mothers for safety concerns, that is true for the majority of vitamins and herbal products.
Among other forms, echinacea is available as tablets, capsules, lotions for external use, and beverages. It is often taken orally in the hope that it may strengthen the immune system and help prevent colds and other upper respiratory infections, although randomised controlled trials have not supported this claim. Some people also use it topically to treat burns and wounds and to treat urinary tract infections.
Although echinacea has been used as a herbal treatment for many years, there are few published studies about its usage during pregnancy, and the effectiveness of those studies is still up for debate. In one study, researchers tracked 261 pregnant women who consumed various echinacea preparations. During the first trimester, it was taken by more than 112 of them. There were no rises in miscarriages or baby birth abnormalities.
Another study examined data on echinacea use during the first trimester and found no evidence that it increases the incidence of birth abnormalities. Echinacea is one of the most frequently utilised medicines during pregnancy and breastfeeding. (That study also advised against taking echinacea while nursing because there isn’t enough evidence to suggest it is safe.)
Although this knowledge is comforting, there aren’t enough research to conclusively say whether taking echinacea while pregnant increases the chance of birth abnormalities or other issues.
The preparation and components of herbal treatments like echinacea can vary widely because they are not subject to the same FDA regulations as prescription drugs. This makes it challenging for specialists to extrapolate study findings to other echinacea products on the market, which is yet another reason to use herbal medicines with caution.
Additionally, it has been discovered that certain echinacea formulations have lead contamination. The development of a baby’s brain can be harmed by high blood lead levels during pregnancy.
Prior to taking any medication, vitamin, or herbal supplement during pregnancy, it is always advisable to see your doctor. Call your healthcare practitioner or bring the bottle to your subsequent prenatal appointment if you’re uncertain about a product’s safety.
Sources
2011; Nordeng H, et al. Relationship between the usage of herbal medications during pregnancy and the outcome of the pregnancy in 600 Norwegian women who also used other types of drugs concurrently. Clinical Practice of Complementary Therapies, 17(3):147-51. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21742280/ [Retrieved in August 2021]
2010; Cuzzolin, L., et al. Focusing on pregnancy outcomes, 392 pregnant women in Italy used herbal products. Drug Safety and Pharmacoepidemiology, 19(11), 1151–1158. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20872924/ [Retrieved in August 2021]
D. Perri et al., 2006. Echinacea (Echinacea angustafolia, e. purpurea, and e. pallida) is safe and effective to use throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding. Pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17085774 Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 13(3):e262-7 [Retrieved in August 2021]
2016; Heitmann K, et al. The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study examined the pregnancy outcomes following prenatal echinacea exposure. 72:623–30 European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26895223/ [Retrieved in August 2021]
I breastfeed, can I consume echinacea tea?
It varies. Although herbs and herbal products are sometimes referred to as “natural,” they are not always secure. Before utilising herbs, especially herbal teas and essential oils, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare practitioner because they can be highly potent.
Herbs can enter breast milk, just like prescription drugs do, and may have an impact on both you and your baby’s milk production. (The idea that sage, parsley, or peppermint will make you produce less milk is a hoax.)
Herbs are not subject to FDA regulation, unlike over-the-counter and prescription medications, thus there is no assurance of their safety, potency, or purity. Even professionals are unsure of which herbs are safe for nursing infants because very few have been thoroughly researched to determine their impact on nursing infants.
There isn’t much evidence to support the safety (or efficacy) of these herbs in nursing mothers and infants, despite the fact that they have been used for centuries to increase a nursing mother’s milk production. Examples include fenugreek and fennel.
Another popular plant to take with caution is echinacea, which is believed to prevent or treat colds. Some specialists advise mothers to stay away from it when breastfeeding due to a lack of safety data. Additionally, goldenseal, which can be poisonous in even moderate dosages, is frequently used alongside echinacea.
Before using any herbal therapy, be prudent and speak with your doctor.
The majority of herbs that are used to season food, such cumin, rosemary, and cilantro, are safe to incorporate in your diet on a regular basis in moderation. However, some, such as sage, can be harmful if you ingest them in high or concentrated doses, such as when taking medicine or drinking tea.
You should be aware of some interactions between plants and medications as well as between herbs and other substances. For further information, speak with your physician or pharmacist.
Instead of sites that are marketing herbal products, look for trustworthy, impartial websites while studying herbs online. Good sources include the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, MedlinePlus, and LactMed.
All herbal teas should only be consumed moderately and with caution. Teas include concentrated herbs. Choose teas that have a complete ingredient list. For instance, ginger or German chamomile tea are regarded as safe options; nevertheless, avoid any teas containing goldenseal.
Which types of tea can result in miscarriage?
Although herbal teas have generally been seen as safe during pregnancy, there isn’t much research to support this. High dosages of parsley tea during pregnancy have been reported to trigger uterine contractions and even miscarriage.
Herbal teas should be used with caution by pregnant women, who should also consult a healthcare provider before include them in their diet.
If you use medicine, whether or not you are pregnant, you should discuss any herbal remedies with your doctor to rule out any potential drug interactions.
Which teas may I have while expecting?
Black, white, and green teas can be consumed during pregnancy in moderation. Because they contain caffeine, be careful how much you sip to keep within the safe amount during pregnancy. With herbal teas, which are not FDA-regulated, exercise cautious. Although ginger tea and peppermint tea are regarded as harmless, some other herbal drinks have been connected to difficulties during pregnancy. Make sure your preferred teas are healthy for you and your unborn child by speaking with your healthcare physician before you brew.
Which tea is ideal for pregnant women?
Although drinking caffeinated teas during pregnancy is safe, many expectant mothers prefer to sip herbal teas, or tisanes, instead. When expecting, we advise against drinking the following teas:
Ginger has a reputation for helping with nausea, vomiting, and morning sickness, and teas are deemed safe to consume during pregnancy.
In pregnant women, peppermint tea has been shown to help heartburn, nausea, gas, and stomach cramps.
Lemon balm: Pregnant women have long used lemon balm to help with anxiety, irritability, and insomnia. Try our lemon balm-infused Rejuvenating Wellness Blend!
Raspberry Leaf: Studies have shown that raspberry leaf tea can speed up labour and assist the uterus get ready for delivery.
Echinacea with fertility – does it work?
There is no proof that echinacea can increase your chances of getting pregnant, despite the fact that it may be your go-to herb on days when you feel like you’re getting a cold. Echinacea, St. John’s wort, and ginkgo biloba may all potentially have a detrimental effect on your fertility, according to some research. High quantities of the herbs may harm reproductive cells and hinder sperm from fertilising eggs, according to a study from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in California. A little dose of echinacea should be safe to take if you start to feel under the weather, but avoid taking big doses of it if you’re trying to get pregnant and consult your doctor before using it if you’re already pregnant.
Boosts Immunity
Echinacea tea has been a go-to remedy for boosting the immune system and preventing infections for a very long time. Antibacterial qualities of echinacea help keep infections from getting you sick. Additionally, echinacea tea might lessen the aches and pains brought on by the common cold and flu and soothe a sore throat.
The influence of echinacea on the immune system was the subject of a meta-analysis published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal. Echinacea reduced the incidence of the common cold by 58 percent, according to 14 trials examined by researchers. Additionally, taking echinacea reduced recovery time by 1.5 days. Even if you do contract a cold, drinking echinacea tea can help you stay healthy and recover more quickly.
Additionally, echinacea tea aids in the eradication of free radicals, which result in oxidative stress and cell damage. By delaying the beginning of early ageing and brain degeneration, this contributes to an improvement in general health.
Prevents Infection
Yeast infections and urinary tract infections can be treated with echinacea’s antibacterial properties. The majority of study demonstrates that the chemicals in echinacea leaves are responsible for these health advantages. Caffeic acid and other polyphenols found in tea, in particular, exhibit antiviral properties that shield against infection.
Echinacea may increase white blood cell counts, according to certain studies, albeit these studies are still in progress. The polysaccharides in echinacea tea may be useful in the treatment of illnesses like HIV, according to several research, one of which was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. These chemical substances function by limiting the replication of damaged cells, which delays the spread of infections.
Relieves Pain
Echinacea was first utilised as a pain reliever by Native Americans. The herb is now used to cure a variety of pains, including rheumatoid arthritis and toothaches. Tea made from echinacea can be used to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, such as cramps and irritable bowel syndrome.
Echinacea’s impact on pain was investigated in a randomised, double-blind trial that was published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Researchers discovered that those who took echinacea used less pain medication to manage cold symptoms.
Improves Mood
Echinacea’s fragrant aroma can aid in reducing stress and depressive emotions. Dopamine, a hormone known for regulating happiness, is released in response to the aroma of echinacea. Cortisol, also referred to as the stress hormone, may also be reduced by echinacea.
The effects of echinacea on anxiety were explored in a study that was published in Phytotherapy Research. Echinacea dramatically reduced the excitatory synapses, according to research. This indicates that people who took echinacea extract had less dread and anxiety. Echinacea was found to modulate synapses, but it did not completely stop transmissions.
Soothes Respiratory Ailments
Upper respiratory tract infections and the symptoms of asthma may be treated with echinacea tea. These illnesses are frequently brought on by allergies or the common cold. Echinacea tea facilitates better airflow in the lungs and throat by soothing irritated muscles. Additionally, histamine, which is produced when the body overreacts to common stimuli and causes allergic reactions, is suppressed by echinacea. Echinacea has been shown to have bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory properties, according to research studies from 2015. These characteristics are comparable to those of synthetic medications used to treat asthma.
Can you use chamomile when pregnant?
Pick teas produced from fruits and herbs you would use in cooking as a general rule. Never prepare your own herbal tea while you are expecting or nursing using plants you’ve harvested.
Large doses of some herbs may cause contractions to begin and raise the possibility of premature labour, or they may have an impact on your baby.
Likely or possibly safe herbal teas
Tea with peppermint: One of the most often used herbal remedies during pregnancy is peppermint. Though you should avoid very big amounts and the first trimester since it can promote menstruation, studies have proven it doesn’t harm the mother or the baby.
Red raspberry leaf tea: To assist them get ready for delivery, some pregnant women drink raspberry tea in their third trimester. Although it is expected to be safe during pregnancy, certain studies have found that it can increase contractions, thus it is advisable to exercise caution in the first trimester.
Ginger tea can help with nausea relief. While you are expecting or nursing, it should be safe when used in moderation.
True herbal teas don’t include green tea. You should only consume a little amount of it while pregnant or nursing because it contains caffeine.
Chamomile tea: A cup of chamomile tea before bedtime may help you unwind, but once more, limit your intake. There is a possibility that it could stimulate the uterus or cause issues with your baby’s circulation.
Teas where there is insufficient information about safety
Rose hip tea: Not enough research has been done on rose hip tea to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or during nursing.
Dandelion tea: Not enough research has been done on dandelion tea to determine whether it is safe to consume during pregnancy or during nursing.
Lemon balm tea is frequently used to treat sleeplessness, irritability, and anxiety. It is thought to be potentially harmless. These usage, however, have not been supported by a study, and its safety during pregnancy has not been examined.
Which herbal teas to avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Sage tea: While you can use sage in cooking, you should stay away from concentrated forms of the herb during pregnancy, such as those found in teas. It has been connected to high blood pressure and miscarriage.
Avoid drinking parsley tea when pregnant. Drinking excessively might damage your baby’s development and raise your risk of miscarriage.